Savor a delicious Pizza Calzone with Beef filled with seasoned ground beef, melty mozzarella cheese, and your favorite pizza toppings, all encased in a golden, crispy crust. This delightful dish is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or any occasion when you crave comfort food. It’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy, especially when dipped in marinara sauce!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is beginner-friendly.
- Flavor Packed: Each bite delivers a burst of savory goodness with seasoned beef and gooey cheese.
- Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or adjust the fillings to suit your taste.
- Perfect for Sharing: Cut into slices and serve at parties or gatherings; everyone will love it!
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and freeze for a quick meal on busy nights.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Pizza Calzone with Beef successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These items will help you create the perfect calzone with ease.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Rolling pin
- Large skillet
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Pastry brush
Importance of Each Tool
- Rolling pin: Helps to roll out the pizza dough evenly for a perfect crust.
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking the ground beef uniformly without overcrowding.
- Baking sheet: Provides a sturdy base for baking the calzone while ensuring it cooks evenly.
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
For Assembly
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup sliced pepperoni (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Dough
- 1 package (17.5 ounces) refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 large egg, beaten (for egg wash)
How to Make PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and cooked through while breaking it apart with a spoon. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute before removing from heat.
Step 2: Prepare the Dough
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). On a floured surface, roll out the pizza dough into a large circle about 12 inches in diameter.
Step 3: Assemble the Calzone
Spread a layer of pizza sauce on one half of the dough, leaving a border around the edges. Top with the cooked beef mixture, followed by mozzarella cheese and pepperoni if desired. Fold the other half of the dough over to cover the filling and crimp the edges to seal.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Transfer the calzone to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Step 5: Serve
Allow your calzone to cool for a few minutes before slicing it up. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping. Enjoy your delicious Pizza Calzone with Beef!
How to Serve PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF
Serving your Pizza Calzone with Beef can enhance the overall dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a casual meal, these serving suggestions will elevate your dish.
Pair with Dipping Sauces
- Marinara Sauce: The classic choice for dipping, offering a tangy flavor that complements the beef.
- Ranch Dressing: A creamy option that adds a cool contrast to the warm calzone.
- Garlic Butter: Drizzle over the calzone for an extra layer of richness.
Add a Fresh Salad
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine and crunchy croutons pair well with the hearty calzone.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil provide a light and refreshing balance.
- Greek Salad: A mix of cucumbers, olives, and feta adds vibrant flavors to your meal.
Serve with Appetizers
- Stuffed Mushrooms: Savory bites that are easy to prepare and complement the calzone perfectly.
- Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with fresh tomatoes and basil makes for a delightful starter.
How to Perfect PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF
Perfecting your Pizza Calzone with Beef is all about balancing flavors and achieving the right texture. Follow these tips for an outstanding result.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ground beef and high-quality cheese make a noticeable difference in taste.
- Don’t Overfill: Keep fillings moderate to ensure the calzone seals properly and bakes evenly.
- Preheat Your Oven: Make sure your oven reaches 425°F (220°C) before baking for a crispy crust.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Adjust spices in the beef mixture to suit your taste; consider adding red pepper flakes for heat.
- Allow Cooling Time: Let the calzone rest after baking to prevent burns and allow flavors to meld.
Best Side Dishes for PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF
Pairing side dishes with your Pizza Calzone enhances your meal. Here are some great options that complement its flavors.
- Garlic Bread: A warm, buttery treat perfect for dipping into sauces.
- French Fries: Crispy fries offer a satisfying crunch alongside the soft calzone.
- Antipasto Platter: A variety of cured meats, cheeses, and olives provide diverse flavors on one plate.
- Coleslaw: The crunchy texture and tanginess create a nice contrast to the rich calzone.
- Fried Zucchini Sticks: Crispy on the outside and tender within; they’re perfect for dipping!
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted in olive oil add both color and nutrition to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Pizza Calzone with Beef can be a delightful experience, but certain mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results.
- Incorrect Dough Thickness: Rolling the dough too thin can cause it to tear, while too thick may result in an undercooked calzone. Aim for about 1/8 inch thickness for the best texture.
- Overstuffing: Adding too much filling can make it difficult to seal the calzone. Stick to a moderate amount of beef and cheese to ensure proper cooking.
- Skipping the Egg Wash: Not brushing the calzone with egg wash will lead to a dull appearance. This step gives it a beautiful golden color and enhances crispiness.
- Not Preheating the Oven: Baking in an unpreheated oven can result in uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for optimal results.
- Using Cold Ingredients: Cold filling can cool down the dough, making it harder to bake properly. Let your ingredients come to room temperature before assembly.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your leftover PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF
- Wrap each calzone tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make the crust less crispy.
- Stovetop: Place calzone in a skillet over medium heat, cover, and cook for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF?
A Pizza Calzone with Beef is a stuffed pizza that features seasoned ground beef, cheese, and various toppings folded within pizza dough and baked until golden brown.
Can I customize my PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF?
Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or switch out the beef for chicken or sausage based on your preferences.
How do I make my own pizza sauce?
To make homemade pizza sauce, blend crushed tomatoes with garlic, olive oil, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper for an easy and delicious option.
What side dishes pair well with PIZZA CALZONE WITH BEEF?
Salads, garlic bread, or marinara dipping sauce are excellent choices that complement the flavors of the calzone nicely.
Final Thoughts
The Pizza Calzone with Beef is not just a meal; it’s a cozy experience that brings comfort and satisfaction. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your tastes. Whether you stick with traditional fillings or get creative with toppings, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try today!
Pizza Calzone with Beef
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this delicious Pizza Calzone with Beef! Bursting with seasoned ground beef, gooey mozzarella cheese, and your choice of favorite toppings, all nestled within a golden, crispy crust, this calzone is perfect for family dinners, game nights, or anytime you crave a cozy meal. It’s easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy, especially when paired with marinara sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package refrigerated pizza dough
- 1 cup pizza sauce
- Optional: ½ cup sliced pepperoni
Instructions
- Cook ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning; add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Roll out the pizza dough into a circle about 12 inches in diameter.
- Spread pizza sauce on half of the dough; top with cooked beef mixture and mozzarella cheese. Fold over the other half and crimp edges to seal.
- Transfer to a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the top with beaten egg and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm with extra pizza sauce for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 calzone (200g)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
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